End the Killing of Elephants for VN Ivory Trade

ENV has continued to push forward efforts to end the killing of elephants for Vietnam’s ivory trade. In 2021, we handled 575 ivory cases, consisting of 1,580 violations. The majority of these involved the removal of ivory advertisements as a result of ENV’s cybercrime investigations, with the goal of making trade more difficult and closing down potential selling networks.

In total, our Wildlife Crime Unit handled 3,703 wildlife crime cases, and helped facilitate the rescue of 1,058 live animals from the illegal wildlife trade! This shows ivory cases to make up 15.5% of all cases handled this year, with our actions bolstered thanks to your generous donation! Here are some highlights from the ivory cases these last three months:

In October 2021, there were ~82 links removed and accounts deactivated, due to the illegal advertisement of ivory products for sale online. One subject was fined 1.25 million for advertising ivory products. These actions were possible thanks to our partnerships with Facebook, Google, TikTok, Zalo, and other major social media platforms.

In November 2021, the decision was made by Kon Tum’s People Committee for two subjects selling ivory and other wildlife products online to be fined 86 million, and 71 million respectively. This shows strong progress, firstly, in that it is the biggest administrative punishment ever given out in Kon Tum for wildlife crimes. Secondly, it is a rare occasion where subjects have received such a large fine solely for advertising products, even without them being found in their possession.

In January 2021, there was a large seizure of pangolin scales and elephant ivory at Da Nang Port. When a suspicious shipment arrived from Nigeria on January 5^th, it showed likely signs of false declarations being made about what was inside. This led to Customs searching the cargo, and discovering suspected 456 kg of ivory and 6.2 tonnes of pangolin scales. Vietnamese authorities are on alert for suspicious cargo that could be bringing in wildlife products from abroad. Customs are now collaborating with various law enforcement agencies to investigate this case further.

Looking ahead in 2022, we are launching an extensive public awareness campaign in Dak Lak province, aiming to combat this major center for ivory trading and selling. This area is known for selling ivory products to its tourists, because it is home to the largest remaining elephant population in Vietnam. Some tourists enjoy buying elephant-related souvenirs to bring back home. We will be tackling this by raising awareness on the harms of purchasing ivory products that promote the slaughter of elephants. We will also be working with local businesses, providing them with “Elephant Friendly Business” status, encouraging tourists to be responsible consumers and only shop at these establishments.

All the while, our policy and legislation team will continue offering their support to authorities in handling ivory violations, ensuring that they are prosecuted in accordance with relevant wildlife protection laws.

Thank you for your continued support. The progress we’ve made in tackling the elephant ivory trade would not be possible without the kindness of people like you!

We look forward to sending you more updates from the field. In the meantime, we invite you to read our November/December 2021 Newsletter, to find out more about our work here at ENV.